“Normality is a paved road: it’s comfortable to walk but no flowers grow.”

— Vincent van Gogh

I believe the client is the expert on themselves.  My job is to help them explore what this means using different art methods.  Therapeutic change relies on a strong relationship, which is my first focus with a new client.  I want my clients to know that they are in a safe place and that I am a support for them.  As we begin exploring different art media, I follow what the client shows interest in and allow them to lead the process. 

Jamie Crayne

MS, ATR-P, LPC-IT (QTT)

Art Therapist & Licensed Professional Counselor

As an only child, I needed to be creative to keep myself busy.  I spent a lot of time drawing my toys and enrolled in as many art classes as my school offered.  I also spent a lot of time during the summer with my grandma, who taught me how to knit and crochet.  I earned my bachelor’s degree in art education from UW Milwaukee.  I enjoyed the experience and wide variety of art media I had the opportunity to explore but did not feel that teaching was where I belonged.  When I began my family I was fortunate to be a stay at home mom until my sons began school and then I volunteered weekly in the classrooms and school library.  

As my sons are becoming more independent, I am earning my master’s degree in art therapy from Mount Mary University.  I have always felt that using my creative side has helped me through life’s difficulties and I find it easier to talk about difficult issues if I am also using my hands to make something.  Leaning on my undergrad experience and my experience as a parent, art therapy has become a passion and I hope to help clients improve their lives, if even in small ways.